Survey of Chokla sheep in farmers' flock

Chokla sheep is comparatively a fine carpet wool producing type among Indian breeds of sheep and best suited for the regions where migration is a common practice. India possesses 50.79 million sheep, out of which, population Chokla is 0.886 million. Purebred Chokla animals are found around Churn, Jhunjhunu and Sikar districts of Rajasthan, India. A pilot survey of Chokla sheep was conducted on 117 farmers belonging to a cluster of 27 villages representing 3 tehsils of 2 districts (Nagaur and Churn) of Rajasthan in 1997 to assess the status of Chokla sheep in farmers' flock. Results of survey revealed that majority of farmers belong to Jat and Rajput communities rearing sheep having agriculture as their main occupation. The major source of income in sheep rearing is from sale of young lambs rather than wool, manure and milk. Average flock size varies from 43 to 61. Heart girth, paunch girth, height at withers and body length in weaners were 66, 68, 60 and 63 cm, while in adult male and female (2 teeth) they were 78, 81, 71 and 74 cm and 75, 86, 67 and 71 cm, respectively. The average body weight of males and females around 3–4 months of age were 18.70 and 17.32 kg and 6–8 months of age were 23.82 and 21.42 kg, respectively. Average adult body weight in male was 34.69 kg and in females 28.60 kg. The average annual greasy fleece yield, as reported by the farmers, was 2.71 kg. Average medullation and diameter of wool were 25.81±2.10% and 34.73±0.05 micron, respectively. Breeding rams were kept in the flock throughout the year and no restrictions were imposed on mating. Now the farmers are introducing heavy weight sheep like Jaisalmeri and Marwari in their flocks to get heavier weight at marketable age (6–9 months of age). Farmers go on migration still maintain purebred Chokla in their flocks as it is the best suited sheep for migration. Chokla population is declining and purity of breed is diluting due to crossbreeding. There is a need to conduct the detailed survey to know the exact position and efforts should be made to conserve the breed, if needed.